Patterson joined the British Army early in life, participating in the Seven Years' War with the 80th Regiment of Light-Armed Foot.

Naval hero Commodore Daniel Patterson), were awarded Lot 19, near the present-day town of Kensington, through the 1767 land lottery.

[1] On 30 May 1769, the British Privy Council declared St. John's Island a colony with its own government, separating it from Nova Scotia.

Going against the British government, Patterson opposed the bill and managed to receive a majority from the Executive Council, supporting his decision.

The issue of absentee landowners and quit-rent in Prince Edward Island would not be resolved until the passage of the Land Purchase Act in 1875.